Abstract: A soft non-marring carpet type support for articles while being heated into a softened condition consisting of either an intermittent or a continuous line of fine fiberglass fibers to accommodate either a flat or uneven surface in contact with the flexible tips, the support being so gentle and so distributed so as not to leave any impression on the articles softened surface. The support transmits a minimum of heat or cold by conduction, is transparent to infrared radiation across its thickness and also at the same time transmits infrared radiation through the length of its optical fibers.

Abstract: The electrically heatable household appliance is assembled of a stationary lower part and a swingable upper part connected to the former by an adjustable hinge joint, each part supporting an electrically heated plate and at least one part comprising a protective plate of ceramic material transparent to infrared radiation. The protective plate is preferably removably connected to a supporting frame which is disconnectably mounted to the assigned part to facilitate cleaning.

Abstract: An indicator is provided for a heating unit which may be used as a soft contact lens disinfecting unit and which embodies an exterior construction entirely of thermoplastic material. Wax contained in the unit is used as a heat transfer medium, as a temperature stabilization means, as a heat sotrage medium, and, in accordance with the present invention, as a unique indicator system which enables the user to confirm when the unit has reached the proper operating temperature. The heating unit to be described, is specifically constructed to produce or aid in disinfecting so-called soft contact lenses intended for wearing in contact with the eye. The unit is more generally applicable, and may be used to advantage, when a low cost heating unit is desired which will raise the temperature of an object or a material to a given temperature, maintain it at or above the given temperature for a given time period, and then allow it to cool down and return to an ambient temperature condition.

Abstract: A system for automatically purging heating mantles and other apparatus including an enclosed volume capable of low level pressurization. The system comprises a pressure sensor for sensing the fluid pressure within the enclosure, which may be the space between a heating mantle poncho and the enclosed flask, and a fluidic logic circuit which is responsive to a low pressure condition within the enclosure to deactivate the heating element in the mantle. At the same time, the logic circuit causes a predetermined volume of purging gas to flow through the enclosure and, after this has been accomplished, reactivates the heating element and reestablishes the minimum pressure conditions by flowing a small volume of purging gas into the enclosure. The system is particularly intended for use in hazardous locations where explosion-proof electrical equipment enclosures are normally mandatory.

Abstract: A sterilizer or aseptor for contact lenses and the like is disclosed, which provides a capsule adapted to both carry and sterilize a single set of contact lenses. The sterilizer includes a well adapted to receive the capsule, and when the well is heated, sterilizing action occurs within the capsule. A cover is locked into a closed position to prohibit access to the capsule and well when the well is heated to an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A heating system for dressings comprising a housing having a pair of opposed heating elements. The housing may be opened to place the dressings intermediate the heating elements, and may be closed in order to heat the dressings intermediate the elements.

Abstract: A salt-containing unprocessed foodstuff is charged in a wrapping tube unit comprising a cylindrical body, end plate means comprising members bonded to open opposite ends of the cylindrical body, and a pair of electrical contact members previously impregnated with a salt solution and fitted in the end plate means to provide a wrapped material foodstuff. The end plate means may be of any shape and is formed with a multitude of apertures, at least one of the members having cuts made therein to permit charging of the unprocessed foodstuff in the cylindrical body which may be deformed to conform to the shape of the end plate means.

Abstract: A heating unit is provided in the form of an open topped container with a side wall and a bottom. The side wall has a plurality of bosses each of which has a plate-receiving groove. The bottom has on its upper surface elongated seat defining flanges, a barrier wall projecting between and extending laterally beyond a pair of seat defining flanges to separate the seats and to separate a pair of wires, and labyrinth walls defining a strain-relief circuitous wire passage. A pair of spring terminals are provided, each having a U-shaped part defined by two divergent leg parts one of which is seated in one of the seats and the other of which extends upwardly away from the bottom to a free end. A disc of PTCR material is mounted on the spaced free ends. A plate is snapped into the plate-receiving grooves of the bosses.

Abstract: A heating unit which may be used as a soft contact lens disinfecting unit and which embodies a case construction entirely of thermoplastic, or other low heat-conductive material. A heat conductive liquid such as molten wax, or oil, or both, is contained in the case and is used as a uniform heat transfer medium between electrical heating elements in the case and the surface of an incubator supported in the case which, likewise, is formed of low heat-conductive material. The heating unit in the embodiment to be described, is specifically constructed to produce or aid in disinfecting so-called soft contact lenses intended for wearing in contact with the eye. The unit is more generally applicable, and may be used to advantage, when a low cost heating unit is desired which will raise the temperature of an object or a material to a given temperature, maintain it at or above the given temperature for a given time period, and then allow it to cool down and return to an ambient temperature condition.

Abstract: A device for maintaining heated golf balls at an elevated temperature under playing conditions is desired. A heated container is provided with dividing means, such as a moveable wall, which may be operated during removal of a selected heated ball so as to seal off the remaining heated balls from the ambient air, thereby maintaining them at the elevated temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for epitaxial film formation is disclosed. Planar reactive evaporation techniques suitable for scaling are employed to produce high purity compound semiconducting films at relatively low temperatures.

Abstract: There is disclosed a ski boot and glove warmer including a vertically extending blower body having a pair of spaced apart dryer tubes projecting horizontally from the front face thereof and each having a boot support bail spaced there below for supporting the back of a boot with the tubes projecting into the ankle portion thereof to direct hot air into the foot area of the boot. A pair of guides are positioned on opposite sides of the respective tubes for retaining the boots with the toes thereof directed upwardly from the support. An electric blower directs air over a heating element and into the tubes and is controlled by a coin actuated mechanism to operate for a predetermined period of time after insertion of a coin.

Abstract: A ball warming apparatus adapted to completely and effectively heat a cold ball, particularly a bowling ball, to a desirable room temperature. The apparatus may be adapted for selective stationary positioning within a bowling alley for coin-operation, or for selective portable use as a bowling ball bag. The inner wall of the appratus is adapted to closely encompass a bowling ball and to substantially heat the entire peripheral surface of the ball.

Abstract: A device for heating keys comprised of a plug which fits the socket of a cigarette lighter having means for heating a key. The device is comprised of a heating element surrounding a slot in the plug into which a key may be inserted for heating. The plug, when pushed into the cigarette lighter receptacle, activates the heating element which in turn heats the key. The device can be constructed as a slot in an existing cigarette lighter for use in conjunction with it, or may be a separate adapter plug. The device is activated by pushing the key into the slot in the plug or cigarette lighter and engaging the contacts by pushing the plug inward.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating articles, such as eyeglass frames, includes a bed of heat retentive beads supported above a plenum chamber by a mesh or screen. Heated air is delivered to the plenum chamber at low velocity and high volume for flowing upwardly through the bed for heating the same. The air is directed through the plenum chamber by bodies which act as baffles as well as a heat sink.

Abstract: A device for providing a cavity in a bun for receiving a filling such as a sausage comprises a heating probe adapted to be inserted into a bun to compress the material of the bun to form the cavity and to toast the surface of the cavity so that the cavity remains after removal of the probe therefrom and locating means in the form of a cradle for locating a bun in alignment with the heating probe. Relative reciprocable movement between the probe and the locating means causes the probe to be inserted into and removed from a bun located in the locating means.

Abstract: A food warmer includes a plurality of trays and associated lamps mounted on a frame for rotation in unison about a stationary standard. Each lamp is arranged above each respective tray to project heat downwardly only into the tray with which it is associated. The trays are pivotally supported on the frame and a switch associated with each tray is closed by pivotal movement of the tray upon placement of food on the tray to energize the lamp associated with the tray. A rotary connector is disposed between standard and frame, so that current can be supplied to each lamp regardless of the rotary position thereof. Each tray is detachable from the frame for cleaning and a switch override is selectively disposed between the tray and housing to prevent closing of the switch and energization of the lamp when necessary.

Abstract: The electric towel warmer is constructed and arranged for receiving a towel therein and for maintaining the towel in a warm condition. The towel warmer includes a housing mounting an M-shaped heating element in the housing in a generally upright plane. A perforated cover is situated in the housing over the heating element and is spaced from the sidewalls of the housing to provide a space between the sidewalls of the housing and the cover for a towel. A movable top closure is mounted to the housing for covering the top of the housing. Electric circuitry is connected to the heating element and is adapted to be connected to an AC power source for controlling the current input to the heating element.

Abstract: A plurality of receptacles are provided each having pockets for receiving a bottle containing a shampoo or hair conditioner to be warmed. Each receptacle includes a U-shaped water conduit having a pair of legs extending beyond one side wall thereof. The bight portion of each conduit is closed by a spring loaded flap valve extending parallel to the bight. An opening is provided behind each flap valve which is in line with the legs of the U-shaped conduit. A first receptacle is connected to a pair of openings in a master heating unit containing a thermostat, a heating coil, and a pump for pumping water from a source past the heating coil through one of the openings in the U-shaped conduit of the first receptacle and back to the other side of the pump through the other leg of the U-shaped conduit in the first receptacle, warming the contents of the bottles supported within the first receptacle.

Abstract: A method of drying cans to be covered with a layer of varnish and/or a printed upon layer, according to which the can body is brought into snug body engagement with a heating body along that can surface which is located opposite the can surface to be covered with the layer while the temperature of the heating body is controlled in conformity with the maximum temperature for hardening the layer to be applied to the respective can.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating food items while retaining the moisture and nutritional aspects of the food wherein a food item to be warmed or heated is placed in a container having a removable lid or cover which is placed within an enclosure which is refrigerated and which includes means for heating the container. As the food is heated the container wall and cover are subjected to the cooling effect of the refrigeration system whereby any moisture driven off from the food item through heating of the food condenses on the surface of the cooled wall and lid of the refrigerated container to flow back to the food item being heated. Nutritional items are retained in the food item being heated by the presence of a moist atmosphere and its cooling effect above the food item.

Abstract: A soft non marring carpet type support for articles while being heated into a softened condition consisting of either an intermittent or a continuous line of fine fiberglass fibers to accommodate either a flat or uneven surface in contact with the flexible tips, the support being so gentle and so distributed so as not to leave any impression on the articles softened surface. The support transmits a minimum of heat or cold by conduction, is transparent to infrared radiation across its thickness and also at the same time transmits infrared radiation through the length of its optical fibers.

Abstract: A hair curling device having an oven with a plurality of downwardly tapered heating chambers for receiving one or more hair curling irons. A clamp is pivotally mounted on the insulated handle of the curling iron so that the forward end of the clamp can be moved from an open position displaced from the forward heat conductive end of a forwardly tapered cone to a closed position abutting the cone throughout its length. A stop member on the forward end of the cone facilitates the retention of the hair during the curling process. The heating chamber has an open ended bore to enable the stop member to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A device for heating a breast prosthesis which comprises a base on which a liquid filled flexible bag is placed for supporting a breast prothesis. A hinged cover for the base that carries another liquid filled flexible bag on its in surface so that a closing of the cover will cause the under surface of the bag to contact with and conform to the irregular contour of the upper surface of the breast prosthesis. An electric heating element is submerged in the liquid in each bag and a switch and thermostat for the heating elements controls the degreee of heat applied to the breast prothesis.

Abstract: Disclosure is an appliance for use in conjunction with the electrical resistance cooking of an electrically high conducting food substance within an electrode type cooking package which comprises: A housing defining a packaged food cooking compartment; and retractable plunging means located at opposite ends of said cooking compartment which urge intimate electrical contact between an electrically high conducting food substance held within a subject food containing package, said package being set within the food cooking compartment, and at least two electrical contacts located at the inside surfaces of diametrically opposite ends of said imparting a regulated electrical current for finite time periods to said electrical contacts, forcing current through a subject electrically high conducting food substance, cooking same by conversion of electrical energy into heat without undesirable arcing or food burning; and a protective cover which may exist in an open or closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for the heating, moistening and holding cosmetic towels or the like is disclosed herein having a box-like support into which a water tray is placed. Legs are carried underneath the tray for holding the tray in spaced relationship with respect to the bottom of the support. A heater coil is downwardly suspended from the tray in the space and the heater coil terminates in a pronged electrical connection for detachably receiving an electrical plug attached to a conventional source of AC line voltage. The water tray holds a small quantity of water and, in turn, supports a removable perforated table which supports the towels. The sidewall of the water tray upwardly project beyond the towel surface of the perforated table and the sidewall of box-like support. A removable lid completes the device so that steam produced by the heated water is captured in the device for heating and moistening the towels.

Abstract: A portable heating device for such applications as popping corn or heating liquids or infants' bottles of milk which employs a cup shaped member containing an electric heating element electrically insulated from the member which is disposed between an open relatively large round top end having an internal thread and a closed relatively small round bottom end having an external thread. An electrical connector is secured to the outside of the cup and is electrically connected to said element. A vertical cylindrically shaped sleeve open at its top end has a bottom end engaging the top end of the member. A vertically flexible hollow cylinder is disposed along side of the member and sleeve, the bottom end of the cylinder being closed, the top end being open. A hollow deflector chute extends between the sleeve and the cylinder, the chute having two spaced open ends, one chute end being connected to the top end of the cylinder, the other chute end being connected to the top end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A food serving system for delivering prepared meals to locations remote from the point of preparation, such as to patients in hospitals and nursing homes, which includes a mobile cart having its own low voltage rechargeable power pack that may be utilized to make the cart self powered. The cart has a tier of racks for carrying removable, generally flat, individual, food serving trays. The trays may be disposable or reusable. Each tray is provided with one or more thermally isolated heat transfer devices which may be energized when the tray is placed on a rack in the cart. The trays are constructed to carry conventionally styled, removable dishes, bowls, cups, etc., that may be either disposable or reusable, and the dishes and bowls containing foods to be maintained at a reduced or elevated temperature are placed on the heat transfer devices.

Abstract: An electric oven toaster construction wherein a unique manually operable lever, latch lever, and catch lever are provided for controlling operation of an oven toaster main switch and an oven toaster timer. The manually operable lever is provided with a lug for actuating the latch lever to release the catch lever to stop the operation of the toast timer and open the main switch without opening the oven toaster door. The manually operable lever is also provided with a pin which is uniquely positioned with respect to the catch lever for both operating the catch lever to start operation of the toast timer and being actuated by the catch lever at the end of a toasting cycle for moving the manually operable lever to open the main switch.

Abstract: A food cooking oven having exterior walls and inwardly spaced interior walls wherein the interior walls are electrically conductive and are connected to an electrical power source. In operation, the interior of the oven is heated to a food cooking temperature by passing an electric current through the interior walls of the oven.

Abstract: A device for heating a thermoplastic eyeglass frame having a rim and bridge portion and a temple portion, includes a housing having a pair of spaced infrared heat radiating surfaces mounted therein. The surfaces form an open-ended channel therebetween for receiving one of the eyeglass frame portions while permitting the other of said frame portions to remain out of range of the heat radiating surfaces. The heat radiating surfaces comprise spaced external surfaces on a heating block having a heating element embedded therein. The front radiating surface is larger than the rim and bridge portion of the frames while the rear radiating surface is smaller than the rim and bridge portion, for allowing the temple portions of the frames to extend beyond the rear radiating surface without exposure to that radiation.

Abstract: A device for electrically heating thermoplastic articles includes a housing having means for receiving the article in position to be heated. An infrared generator in the form of a tungsten halogen lamp is located in the housing and a split, out-of-phase parabolic reflector system is provided for directing the radiation from the lamp onto plural sides of the article. A blower in the housing provides a flow of cooling air over the lamp and reflector system. A thermal control means responsive to the combination of radiant heat absorbed from the lamp and the cooling effect of the flow of air is provided for cycling the lamp on and off to control the radiant energy emitted therefrom. The lamp may be surrounded by a foraminous thermal converter which allows some of the direct radiation from the lamp to filter through to be directed to the article and interrupts and absorbs the remainder of the radiation converting it to heat which is picked up by the air flow for delivery to the article being heated.

Abstract: A food service system for institutional or other use is provided by a stack of insulated trays and a cart. In one embodiment the cart includes a heating and/or cooling source with an outlet and a return. The trays are provided with openings to permit the passage of heated or cooled air from the outlet through the stack to the return. In another embodiment the trays and cart are combined with a refrigeration unit and a heating unit to permit simultaneous heating and cooling of food portions held in the trays.

Abstract: A golf ball warmer adapted to warm and store at the desired temperature the golf balls and a heat retaining carrying case for the warmed balls.

Abstract: A food cooking machine comprises a generally cylindrical vessel having liquid impervious walls, a closed end and an open end. A removable cap having a central axial vent opening closes the open end. The vessel is detachably supported on a base having a drive means engageable with the vessel for rotating the vessel about an axis substantially aligned with the vent opening and oriented between horizontal and an acute angle to horizontal and with the capped end of the vessel at least as elevated as the other end thereof. External heating means are provided for applying heat to the vessel contents through the vessel walls during rotation. The temperature in the vessel is selectively regulated by means of a temperature controller having a temperature sensing probe supported on the base in alignment with the vent opening in such manner that the opening is not blocked nor vessel rotation impeded.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for disinfection of hydrophilic contact lenses by controlled exposure of the lenses to heat. In the apparatus is a compartment formed by a heat storage-transfer combination. The compartment forming combination is heated by means of a heating element. The heat is transferred to a contact lens carrying case received in the compartment. The heat is maintained at temperatures and for a period of time sufficient to disinfect hydrophilic contact lenses contained in the carrying case.

Abstract: An electrical heating element for heating liquid media, e.g. water, for use in water heaters or the like and particularly in the form of a heating cartridge, comprising an insulated housing which is constructed in two parts of which a sleeve-like outer part receives in drawer-like manner an inner part, a duct system formed in the inner part comprising uninsulated heating coils for heating the medium flowing over them, and form-locked sealing means between the inner and outer part shaped onto these parts to avoid any direct passage of the medium to be heated from an inlet within the housing to a outlet, the form-locked sealing means being particularly in the form of groove and tongue joints.

Abstract: A portable tray warming unit comprising a casing having at least one tray supporting rack, trays to be supported and received upon said rack, and electrical terminal means for interconnecting the tray warming unit with an external electrical source of energy. The casing of this tray warming unit has dimensions and weight small enough so that the unit may be easily carried about or lifted. The upper and lower surfaces of the casing lie in planes parallel to each other so that one unit may be stacked on top of another. To further facilitate such stacking the bottom surface of a unit has protrusions extending downwardly from the bottom and these protrusions correspond to indentations in the top surface of the casing. This correspondence allows the protrusions of one unit to fit into the indentations of the unit on which it is stacked thereby assuring a non-slidable connection between the two units.

Abstract: An element guard for an electric toaster is formed from a sheet metal blank and has at least one grid formed by extending a slotted area of the blank. The guard defines a toasting chamber within the toaster and the grid has openings therein so that heat radiated by a heating element of the toaster can toast bread in the toasting chamber.

Abstract: A lunch bucket containing an electric heating coil that can be plugged into a household electric outlet, so to heat up a compartment in the bucket for holding hot foods, while another compartment is insulated therefrom so to contain cold foods.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable grill assembly adapted for use on, for example, a kitchen countertop area. The assembly includes a somewhat L-shaped housing, the horizontally extending portion of which encloses a heating element and is topped by a grill element for supporting meat or other edibles for exposed surface broiling. The adjoining upwardly extending portion houses a power driven fan which draws air, smoke and cooking vapors from across the grill element and into the upwardly extending portion. The fan outlet discharges to the exterior of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for rectilineal heating of a flat workpiece of thermoplastic material, so that the workpiece is bendable upon heating, includes first and second frame-shaped supports, the second support being positionable opposite the first support. The second support is pivotally mounted so that it can be swung upwardly away from the first support. The apparatus further includes first and second pairs of bars which are substantially juxtaposed with one another and displaceably disposed on the first and second supports, respectively, for gripping the workpiece, and at least one heating wire forming a heat source for contactless operation which is strung between at least one pair of the bars. The heating wire can be variably spaced on at least one side of and with respect to the workpiece.

Abstract: The oven includes a baking compartment and a lower compartment located beneath the baking compartment for receiving baked articles therefrom; a horizontal shelf separates the baking compartment from the lower compartment and is formed of a series of pivotable plates; means are provided for pivoting the plates at predetermined time to cause the baked articles in the baking compartment to fall under the action of gravity in the lower compartment.

Abstract: A storage system for a plurality of food trays includes one or more storage modules each having multiple pairs of horizontal rails for supporting a plurality of trays with the hot food positioned along one side wall of the module and the cool food along the other side wall. Forced air inlet means in the rear wall and adjacent the side wall on the hot food side of the tray produces a forced air stream flowing forwardly through the module over the hot food on the trays. A door covers the front of each module and forms air outlet means adjacent the module side wall on the hot food side of the trays so that the forwardly flowing air stream exits through the door. This system is particularly suitable for use with trays which have electrical heating elements embedded in one side of the tray for heating the hot foods thereon.

Abstract: A device for heating a thermoplastic eyeglass frame having a rim and bridge portion and a temple portion, includes a housing having a pair of spaced infrared heat radiating surfaces mounted therein. The surfaces form an open-ended channel therebetween for receiving one of the eyeglass frame portions while permitting the other of said frame portions to remain out of range of the heat radiating surfaces. The heat radiating surfaces comprise spaced external surfaces on a heating block having a heating element embedded therein. The front radiating surface is larger than the rim and bridge portion of the frames while the rear radiating surface is smaller than the rim and bridge portion, for allowing the temple portions of the frames to extend beyond the rear radiating surface without exposure to that radiation.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for thawing frozen semen for use in artificial insemination of animals. More particularly, the system relates to an apparatus for thawing semen while retaining maximum cell yield by minimizing loss of semen activity.

Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning flexible ropes which has a hollow housing adapted to receive a flexible rope in a coiled condition. The housing contains a heating element for heating the air which comes in contact with the rope, thereby removing excess moisture from the rope. A venting and air circulation system is provided to remove excess moisture from the housing. When the heating element is not in use, the housing may be used as a carrying case for the rope. Automatic and manual devices are provided for controlling the heating element.

Abstract: A food warmer comprising a heat transfer plate with a flat portion and a flange of thermally and electrically conductive material to which at least one pill of positive temperature coefficient of resistance material is conductively secured and an electrically insulative base with a trough for receiving the rolled edge of the heat transfer plate. The pill is provided with an electrically conductive coating on its two opposite faces. An electrically conductive spring is mounted in the base adapted to make contact with one surface of the electrically conductive coating of the pill. Electrical connection is made to the heat transfer plate and to the spring to provide a current path through the pill upon positioning and sealing the rolled edge with a silicon rubber sealing compound thereby providing proper contact force and alignment between the spring and the conductive coating of the pill along with a water tight seal.

Abstract: A slice of bread is brought into position opposite heating resistors and extracted from the toaster by means of a carriage having upwardly flared projections for receiving and holding the slice. Supports pivotally mounted on the casing carry shaped guiding members each having a projecting portion and a bent-back portion. At the time of introduction and extraction, the flared projections of the carriage are displaced in sliding motion on the projecting portions of the guiding members while maintaining these latter at a distance from the slice of bread.

Abstract: A combination comprising a push button switch or other switching means disposed in a cover of a contact lens disinfecting apparatus whereby the switching means can actuate the heating means included in the apparatus only when the cover of the apparatus is in a completely closed position.